Auctions: Batmobile, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & The Panthermobile

Auctions: Batmobile, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & The Panthermobile

Richard Read
August 31, 2011
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If you've got a passion for movie cars and a bank account that's in the black, you might be interested in a handful of auctions taking place this week and next. On the blocks: replicas of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Batmobile, plus the original -- and only -- Pink Panther "Panthermobile".

You might recall that one of the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang models used in the 1968 movie of the same name was put up for auction back in May. Unfortunately, it failed to garner the $1,000,000 minimum bid, so alas, it didn't sell.

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that's up for bid now, however, is a replica, lovingly built in 2000 by fan/fanatic Tony Green. It boasts a 3L V6 Ford engine, and like the model auctioned earlier this year, it's fully functional. Or rather, it was fully functional, until about 18 months ago. Details are sketchy, but it appears that the vehicle needs a little TLC. Auction estimate: £100,000 - £250,000 ($162,850 - $407,125).

The Batmobile that's up for bid is also a replica, constructed by Casey Putsch and based on the 1989 film by Tim Burton. With a helicopter engine under the hood, it's equipped to run on jet fuel, kerosene, or diesel, which sounds not only convenient, but also thoroughly badass. Starting bid: $620,000 (plus transport from Dublin, Ohio).

And last but certainly not least: the Panthermobile, which is most definitely not a replica. The Panthermobile was a one-off built by Jay Ohrberg for the Pink Panther TV series that ran on NBC in the early 1970s. It's not street-legal, but it's undoubtedly a very unique set of wheels. If we were Mary Kay representatives, we'd totally consider buying it. Auction estimate: £50,000 - £100,000 ($81,425 - $162,850)

Bidding on the Panthermobile and the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica begins Sunday, September 4 at BidSpotter.com. The Batmobile auction is running now through September 5 on the far more user-friendly eBay. Good luck!